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18 Sep, 2024 by Tiffanie williams
Sheena has a thorough knowledge of the law and defended my divorce case with determination back in 2022. She went above and beyond for me while i still served in the military and made everything hassle free. I highly recommend Rickerson Legal for your Family/Criminal Law attorney needs.
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18 Sep, 2024 by Carolee tucker
I Highly recommend Mrs. Sheena! Shes very diligent, professional, and most passionate!
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18 Sep, 2024 by Kimberly joseph
To add. Your response is filled with inaccuracies and appears to be an attempt to cover your trail. The only real proof of behavior is in your responses, which reflect what I’ve experienced in our only two phone conversations. The first, which lasted less than 20 mins, and the second, well under an hour I can provide the exact time if needed. During that second conversation, you rudely expressed frustration because I had reached out to you on Facebook after months of unsuccessful attempts to reach you through your office. I had scheduled appointments but was never able to get in contact with you. My communication was respectful throughout, but because I expressed concerns about your lack of availability and the fact that you didn’t show for our scheduled appointment—while you were actively campaigning on Facebook with a book bag giveaway you felt compelled to finally call me.
You didn’t just call, you did so in an aggressive manner, hours before our scheduled appointment, to vent. Nothing was accomplished in that call, and you acted as if I hadn’t been communicating with you because I wasn’t listed as a contact. However, prior conversations between us had occurred, and documents with my name were submitted, which further shows that you weren’t up to date on the case.
In our second conversation, we discussed the case, and you mentioned that the plea was a result of your communication with the prosecutor. What you didn’t know is that the plea was the result of a conversation between my son and I, which was then mentioned to the attorney you had us working with, and he made it happen. We were both thankful for his efforts. You also provided incorrect information about the terms of the plea, which is something you can verify by checking the records.
The issue with reinstatement arose because, prior to hiring you, you led us to believe that it could happen. However, after retaining you, the conversation shifted. When the situation was further explained by your associate attorney, I understood, and I thanked him for the clarity.
I have never been rude to your staff. In fact, one of your staff members sent me a friend request on social media. There were never any issues with your team, and even the new attorney was extremely kind and available, though he admitted that he was new to the case and didn’t know many details at the time. I commend your staff for exhausting all updates and including you in emails after they ran out of answers. The real issue was your lack of availability, possibly due to your campaign—though I can’t say for certain. The reason for this second review is to further respond, as this has been my only means of reaching you and receiving even semi-respectful communication. Also, I ran out of characters in my previous review.
As I stated before, I wasn’t aware of anything before court because you canceled on Tuesday, and your office never followed up as promised. It wasn’t until after court on Monday, September 16th, that I received a message from your office after 9:30 AM, stating that they had tried to call me (the person you claim is not the point of contact), but my phone was going to voicemail. I immediately responded, indicating that court had started at 9:00 AM, which is why my phone was off. Please check your records and recorded conversations there’s a clear pattern of the ball being dropped on your end.
Furthermore, my son and I have an excellent relationship, which anyone who knows us can attest to. While I wanted him to keep you on the case to ensure you did your job, I realized from the way you rolled your eyes and neck at him that it was best to part ways and find another attorney. To be clear, we didn’t even know who you were until this past Monday, as you never made an effort to meet my son in person.
My first encounter with you was on Monday in court, when you approached me aggressively, asking if I planned to satisfy the balance. My exact words were, "I never received a follow-up call, but absolutely, yes." You responded with, "Nope, never mind," and walked off. SEE MORE:
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03 Mar, 2024 by Richard thomas
08 Dec, 2023 by Joe peterson
Great people
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08 Dec, 2023 by Pink stang
Was very helpful
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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.
Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:
- Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
- Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
- Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
- Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
- Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
- Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.
What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:
- Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
- Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
- Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
- Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
- Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
- Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
- Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.
How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?
Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:
- Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
- Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
- Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.
The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.
How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:
- Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
- Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
- Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
- Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.
Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll want to ensure that they’re a good fit for your case. Here are key questions to ask:
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What is your experience with cases like mine?
Make sure the lawyer has a strong track record with the specific type of criminal charges you’re facing, whether it’s DUI, drug offenses, or violent crimes. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for their services and whether you’ll be responsible for any additional costs. -
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
A good lawyer should provide an honest assessment of your case and the likelihood of dismissal, a plea bargain, or conviction. -
How many cases have you taken to trial?
While many criminal cases settle with a plea deal, it’s important to hire a lawyer with courtroom experience in case your case goes to trial. -
Who will handle my case?
Ask if the lawyer will be personally involved or if other attorneys in the firm will handle most of the work. -
How do you communicate with your clients?
Be clear on how often and through what channels you can expect updates on your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer
To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
- Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
- Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:
- Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
- Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
- List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
- Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
- Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.
By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.
